This is the infamous castle. It's the finish point of the race. This year instead of looping the trail 3 times they had us go off into the parking lot for part of it. Which I'm actually thankful for and I'll explain why in a minute.
My goal for this year was to finish in under 30 minutes. Since my return to running 2 months ago I've been averaging around 10 minutes a mile, but I have not been doing speedwork at this point. It's really just been about getting back into it. Last year's time was 36:51 - it was a run filled with many walk breaks and water stops. So this year I was curious to see how much I've improved, even after 6 months off
There was a 1 mile fun run for the kids which was cute to watch. They had to try and catch Santa, but he was in a golf car so it wasn't exactly an easy task.
Then our run began at sundown. I did a good job of pacing myself, and I did not stop to walk for even one second which is pretty awesome. But holy hell... the gravel!!! Yes, this is a gravel trail. Last year it wasn't a huge deal because I had my old shoes - minimal, but not completely barefoot. Well my trail shoes now are baaarrre-foot!!! There really isn't much protecting me from the huge rocks. It hurt like hell. And I think it definitely affected my speed. But I just did my best to grin and bare it. The run through the dirt parking lot was definitely welcome, even if I didn't get to look at any pretty lights during that part. Running through the lights was really fun and the weather was damn near perfect for shorts and a shortsleeve shirt. My finish time was 30:18, did not quite make my goal but that's ok because I beat the pants off of my previous time! I think that despite the gravel I did my best and paced myself really well to avoid burning out early.
Me after the run, and the fire pit which kept me warm - by the time I finished it was a bit chilly!
Unfortunately my husband had to work so it was just me all by my lonesome, but I am thankful for the ability to be out there racing, even if I am by myself.
They had some pretty tasty free baked goods which were provided by a local bakery. I had a tiny piece of each - cinnamon bagel, some type of frosted scone, and sourdough bread
I'm not sure if I like my trail shoes, after my last 3 trail runs all of which involved gravel at some point during the race. Gravel freaking hurts in barefoot shoes. I'm not new to barefoot running, I just don't run on anything besides woodland trails and asphalt. Not sure if I want to tough it out and condition my feet for rough terrain, or just go for a more cushioned yet still minimal trail shoe. I guess I'll keep running in them for now and make a decision after I've had more time in them
Next saturday's run will be 3.5, as I slowly begin to build mileage for the Augusta Half in february!
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